HOWARD STEAMBOAT MUSEUM
RECEIVES $500,000 CHALLENGE GRANT


Matching Gift will fund much-needed updates to historic mansion

Faced with the challenge of funding badly needed renovations and improvements to the Howard Steamboat Museum, the museum’s board of directors sought help.

The board was recently notified that it had received an “All or Nothing” Challenge Grant from The Paul Ogle Foundation in the amount of $500,000.

“The Foundation is interested in supporting the historic mission of the Howard Steamboat Museum,” said Kent Lanum, Executive Director of The Paul Ogle Foundation. “But we are also interested in building community involvement. This will be a great way for the community to step up and show their support.”

The grant is in the form of a challenge: “That means if we raise $500,000 they will match it,” said David Reinhardt, President of the Board of Directors of the Museum. “If we raise less than that, we get nothing.”

Built in 1894 in the Romanesque Revival style, the Howard mansion is famous not only for the beauty of its ornate woodwork and remaining original furnishings; but is also the largest repository for riverboat memorabilia in the United States and draws a large number of tourists to the area.

The Howard Steamboat Museum has been greeting visitors almost every day for 50 years. In 1958 Loretta Howard opened her home to the public, and in 1973 the entire estate was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Funds received through this grant will be used to complete three vital projects. Firstly, the Museum needs updated fire detection systems and a fire suppression system. A devastating fire in the museum in 1971 nearly destroyed the historic structure. “We absolutely do not want a repeat of that,” said Reinhardt.

Another urgent project is the installation of a climate control system. “Not only will our guests be more comfortable, but it will be much easier on the items in our collection,” said museum administrator Yvonne Knight. “The extremes in temperature can cause damage to these irreplaceable pieces.”

Lastly, the museum plans to acquire a facility for artifact storage to allow rotating exhibits. “It would also serve as a space for curatorial activities.” said Knight.

“We are really excited about this campaign,” said Reinhardt. “This will allow the museum to welcome visitors for at least another 50 years.”